ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses some of the properties of certain bacterial, viral, and fungal pesticides that are already in commercial production or that show promise of being of some use economically. Fermentation methods are used for producing bacterial and fungal insecticides, whereas insectaries are used for virus production. Some techniques, such as cell culture for the propagation of obligate parasites or pathogens, have not yet been adapted for large-scale commercial production of microbial agents. This interest in microbial insecticides is largely a result of the many problems associated with the extensive use of chemical pesticides. Most fungal entomopathogens progress through consistent steps in the infection process. Growth and sporulation can occur after application on leaf surfaces if the agent is applied with a carrier that can act as a substrate for fungal growth. Continued expansion of the use of fungal insecticides will require a better understanding of the physiology, genetics, and pathogenicity of the agents.